San Bernardino County supervisors unanimously ratified a Dec. 25 local state of emergency after a major storm system brought flooding, mud and debris flows across mountain and desert communities, county officials said.

Luther, the county chief executive officer, told the board the storm on Dec. 23 produced “staggering” impacts, including about 9 inches of rain recorded in Summit Valley near the top of Cajon Pass. He said the Emergency Operations Center activated to Level 2, an incident command post was established at Fire Station 14 in Wrightwood, and county personnel prepositioned resources and coordinated multi-agency rescue and response operations.

“Our priority was protecting lives and preventing further harm,” Luther said, adding that departments and regional partners worked around the clock. He highlighted that power was restored to Wrightwood three days earlier than anticipated and that a boil-water notice in Lytle Creek was lifted.

Why it matters: The declaration strengthens coordination with state partners (Cal OES, Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol) and frees up resources needed for recovery, county leaders said. Luther told the board the county had moved from response toward recovery while remaining ready for additional weather.

County officials told the board that, among other actions, more than 120 county fire personnel were deployed on Dec. 24 and that door-to-door welfare checks, swift-water rescues and equipment prepositioning took place in high-risk areas. Luther singled out personnel across departments and partner agencies for rapid coordination and cited 208 participants on a single coordination call on Christmas Eve.

Supervisor Paul Cook and other supervisors thanked county staff, first responders, nonprofit partners and utilities for their roles in rescues and restoring access. Cook noted severe impacts in mountain communities, including Wrightwood, and urged public gratitude for front-line teams.

Formal action: Vice Chair (speaker 32) moved to ratify the CEO’s proclamation; Supervisor Armendariz seconded the motion. The board voted unanimously to ratify the local emergency.

Next steps: The county said the emergency remains in effect in case of additional impacts and that coordination with state and regional partners will continue. The board adjourned and scheduled its next regular meeting for Jan. 13 at 10 a.m.

Attribution: Quotations and attributions are taken from meeting remarks by Luther (Chief Executive Officer) and supervisors during the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors meeting.